This blog discusses the art of writing and marketing books as an indie author. Spirit science is a big proponent and the author has written many books for both adults and children dealing with this subject matter.

Free from August 10-12th is the multi-genre anthology of short stories Waning Metaphorically.Imagine the number of stories a writer has inside them. Never mind the editor’s slush pile; author’s each suffer their own. I don’t mean to suggest we’re a bunch of word hoarders, but once a sentence or scene has been written, it’s a part of you, and not easily discarded. Speaking as one who often writes when struck with inspiration, these rogue scenes - more often than not – are unwelcome curiosities to whatever I am presently working on. All the same; I have to believe they were created for some purpose – and so: the pile.

Many of the stories within these pages are such refugees. At least, that’s how they’d begun their literary lives: a thought, a quote, a supposition. Realistically, I have to admit, some acts of inspiration will never find a home. Unsuitable for publication: The genre illiterate – The damned. I still keep them close. Like all of my failures: I learn from them.Many of the stories and oddities I’ve compiled here are new, while others are decades old. The old have been revisited by a more seasoned hand, revised, expanded or shortened, while the new were the underlying inspiration which encouraged me to create this compilation. I knew the vast majority of my slush pile scenes and false starts wouldn’t sustain a novel length work, and as attention spans crumble and commutes grow longer, I realized that literary shorts play an important role for the reader. Besides, what could be more rewarding than a quick read? Instant gratification through story-telling.

Life is a Metaphor. A metaphor is a symbol. A symbol is a sign. Watch for the signs. Like all stories, they can be watered-down to act as metaphor or parables; but unlike parables, metaphors can be interpreted differently, depending on the subject. A waning metaphor therefore, only sustains resolve if a person decides to recognize it.

Thursday, August 3, 2017

MEME's - An idea that spreads like a virus by word of mouth, email, blogs etc. are important visualizations of key scenes or quotes from your new book. They are essential in offering your potential reader a glimpse inside the book. Not unlike writing a summary or your back cover description; MEME's allow your intended audience a look inside, in order to determine whether or not they'd enjoy your new work of fiction.

I've been using MEME's for years and have seen greater interactions via social media (the perfect place to employ this method) including comments, likes and even shares!

My newest book, a Sci-fi novel, is only entering it's second draft, but already I've been creating MEME's in order to build interest. I will place these again when the book is released on my own pages, as well as related group pages across multiple networks with links to purchase the book or ebook.

Writing and marketing go side-by-side and MEME's tend to excite your potential buyer through intriguing quotes and accompanying images. MEME's can vary in size and there is no rule to follow when creating one. However, if you plan to use it as an ad on Facebook, remember not to use too many words to get your point across. FB ads limit the amount of space the copy employs on your MEME.

Below are some examples of the resent MEME's I've posted for a book which is still months out form being completed.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

I've been quietly working on a Sci-Fi novel after having pulled so much enjoyment out of writing a short science fiction piece for an anthology I released in 2015.

Sci-Fi has always been a go-to genre for me in my personal reading and films, so I decided to write a novel. This of course did not happen overnight. I was writing what I thought would be another short story, but after putting it past my brother, who is a big Sci-Fi fan, we decided I could go the distance and make it a novel.

Happily, the characters agreed, and have been yapping their way through 100,000 words of science fiction suspense now with little interest in ending the war they'd started... But, I think i have a grasp on them now, and offering to leave some alive, they have graciously agreed to let me finish the book (with the possibility of making it a series).

I often sketch out characters and machines to help me visualize the story and settings, and this book is no different, as I scribble out what the spaceships must look like. It's a bonus for me - as an Illustrator - to be able to put the blueprints down on paper. I wonder if anyone else does the same? I know after the fact there are plenty of fan fiction shorts and character drawings etc..., but how many authors do it for themselves along the way?

Doomsday links

Apocalyptic Novel

PostApoc.net

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About Me

First of all, you can't pronounce my last name, so don't waste your time there. Many have tried, they have all failed.

I've managed the marketing departments of several materials handling manufacturing companies and continue to do so today with great zeal! I enjoy bringing marketing into the world of manufacturing and leading the way with social and web technologies to offer a better footing in the online market.

I am also an author - With an interest in the paranormal as well as science, I've found my niche in developing stories which both instill a sense of wonder in the spiritual world while often referencing science and its hard fought principles as the paranormal’s greatest advocate. This mixing of strange bedfellows excites and encourages me, researching both seemingly opposing worlds, finding their common bonds, stitching them together and telling a unique tale.

Born in Toronto, Ontario, I earned my diploma in Interpretive Illustration and began a career in the field while educating myself on the art of writing. I have authored several books and am self-published and self-marketed. I now offer my experience in traditional and on-line marketing to businesses and authors alike..